Big Run VFD opens its heart to those in its service area in honor of Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2013

BIG RUN — The members of the Big Run Volunteer Fire Company want to say “thank you” this weekend for all the help they've received in fund-
raising this past year with a free breakfast to be served at the fire hall on Saturday.

Rick Smith, Big Run Fire Company vice president, said that the free breakfasts that have been held in the past have been for Santa Claus and the kids.

"This one we're holding on Saturday, we decided to do something for the the real supporters of the fire company," Smith said, adding that the fire company had a really good year fundraising in 2012.

"So, we decided that Valentine’s Day would be a good time to open up our hearts and give back to the community," he said.

Smith said the department does an annual fundraising letter drive — which was pretty successful — three gun raffles per year and then stands in the street for the boot drive.

"Last year, one of our most successful fundraisers was with the Camouflage Inn, which sponsored a putt-putt golf course," Smith said.

Debbie Hudak, of the Camouflage Inn, organized the event, and there were nine different groups that sponsored a hole on the course, he said. Smith said participants then put together four-person teams, and last year, there were more than 100 teams entered in the event.

"The different organizations that sponsor the holes get together the day before, and they try to design a difficult hole. It becomes a real family event," Smith said, adding that it's a lot of fun.

Smith said anyone who is part of Big Run’s fire protection area of Henderson, Gaskill, Banks and Bell townships and Big Run Borough is invited to attend.

The breakfast is scheduled from 8 a.m. until noon at the fire hall on Main Street in Big Run, or whenever they run out of pancakes, sausage, eggs and coffee and milk, said Smith.